powell-yendi Reviews

The Mend (2014)

Not bad but not magnifique either!

[6/10 · 16 September 2015]

I hate leaving bad reviews, because I feel like you can take a little something from every movie. So I will just honestly describe this movie as "a slow movie." It's the type of movie that you would watch while lazing around at home on a Sunday afternoon, or the type of movie that you would play in the background of a get-together for white noise.

I'm sure it will win plenty of awards because it does have some substance and it requires some thought in order to receive the message conveyed. But in a nut-shell, a free-spirited man-child lives without regrets or constraints. His polar-opposite brother seeks guidance and happiness all while babysitting an adult male. I recommend giving it a chance on a sick-day from work.

October Gale (2014)

Art majors, get your paint brushes ready!

[10/10 · 6 February 2015]

An injured Adonis turns up at the doorstep of a beautiful older widow. Sounds cute, right? Well it is. This movie is meant for an older crowd (I'd say 30+), because there is not much action or activity. It's a gloomy movie, about people who are grieving over their respective tragedies. Nevertheless, it is very artistically done. There are so many beautiful views in this movie that around 88% of the scenes would make expensive paintings. I assume that the low rating has to do with how slow the movie feels to those who require acrobats and car explosions. October Gale doesn't have those visual effects because it is realistic fiction that was meant to be artsy and romantic. I highly recommend this movie to art majors and professors.

The Interview (II) (2014)

A Hilarious play on the Dumb & Dumber theme!

[10/10 · 25 December 2014]

We've seen this theme many times before, particularly in Dumb & Dumber. James Franco plays a quirky airhead, and Seth Rogen plays his Jiminy Cricket who has mastered the art of delivering sarcasm. In the early parts of the movie, every millisecond was hilarious. For the first hour, I was showered with a joke per 30 seconds, and I wanted more time to laugh and recover before receiving the next joke. Towards the end it became a little more serious but the special effects were a jaw-dropping distraction from the lack of hilarity. The cinematography was beautiful with a lot of photograph worthy scenes. I would not recommend this movie for children or conservative Christians since there is a lot of cursing and sexually explicit language. This is definitely a young adult film filled with raunchy humor, like The Hangover. 10/10

Let's Kill Ward's Wife (2014)

Great acting and very entertaining!

[8/10 · 24 December 2014]

I really liked this movie! It is definitely a "feel good movie" because a few aspects are unrealistic, but it made me giggle a lot. The acting was phenomenal! Every single cast member brought their A-game. The plot kept getting juicier, and the relationship dynamics between the couples and the friends were heart-warming. As stated by another review, this isn't a knee-slapping comedy. It's more of a lightly humorous drama. Also I was shocked when the credits started rolling, because there was really no closure to the movie. Nevertheless, I would recommend this to all young adults and married couples who can appreciate dark humor. 8.2/10 for the acting and original plot.

Serena (I) (2014)

Jennifer Lawrence Stuns!!!

[9/10 · 23 November 2014]

I have never been a fan of Jennifer Lawrence and never understood the brouhaha about her looks and acting.

That is, until now.

In this movie, she played the most convincing rendition of a manipulative psycho that I have ever seen. She was so poised and elegant as she wrapped the men in this movie around her little finger.

The chemistry between Jennifer and Bradley Cooper was notable, and the plot got very interesting within no time (30 minutes tops)! My only complaint is that (spoiler alert) the movie basically skipped through the courting phase and jumped straight into the marriage.

Oh well. It was all worth it. I will watch again and recommend it to all. 9.2/10

Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B (2014 TV Movie)

The critics are right, but they are greatly exaggerating.

[5/10 · 17 November 2014]

This movie was not magnificent, but it wasn't terrible either. Yes, some of the actors performed poorly, but others were really talented. Contrary to popular belief, one of Aaliyah's songs actually was used, and Alexandra Shipp NAILED IT. Also, the movie remained true to the book that it was based on, therefore, the information provided was most likely accurate. The very few failures that I witnessed were: 1) the slow, boring script, 2) the lack of resemblance between the actors and the people they emulated, 3) the focus on Aaliyah's career as opposed to her personal life, and 4) the portrayal of Aaliyah as an articulate teenage scholar. Many people have undermined the importance of resemblance. However, actors are known to use costumes, makeup, and prosthesis because resemblance is important. Think of Charlize Theron in Monster and Sean Penn in Gangster Squad. Regardless, this movie was average so I gave it an average rating. 5/10.

St. Vincent (2014)

I may be psychic, because I see an Academy Award in Bill Murray's future!

[10/10 · 15 November 2014]

For the record, tonight I watched "Miss Meadows" and "St. Vincent." I loved them both, but I was compelled to leave a review for St. Vincent. Emphasis on the word "compelled." What...an...awesome...performance by Bill Murray. Melissa McCarthy was sarcastic as usual, Naomi Watts stunned me with her display of versatility, and the little munchkin just made me pucker my bottom lip. This was definitely a "Dennis the Menace" theme revamped. An innocent, low-maintenance child, combined with a grumpy old man = touching. If Bill doesn't rack up the Oscars for this movie, then these are the end times for cinematography. As a play on the famous adage "watch and learn," I say, "watch and love." 10/10.

Stonehearst Asylum (2014)

A Lifetime Movie Remake on a Grander Scale.

[8/10 · 24 October 2014]

Naturally, the most outrageous and feared changes to social dynamics tend to make for interesting stories. Hence, a recycled plot about role transposition in an asylum is to be expected. In 2011, I saw the Lifetime movie named Committed, which has the same plot as Stonehearst Asylum. After seeing the Lifetime predecessor, nothing about this movie was surprising or unpredictable. Yet I must say that the Lifetime version paled in comparison with Stonehearst Asylum. The acting in Stonehearst topped the charts. The set was beautiful and the aura was incredibly appropriate. The scripts and costume designs were noteworthy. This movie was an overall fulfilling form of entertainment. I value a well-made movie, so Stonehearst is worth watching.

Wolves (2014)

This serendipity makes a great family movie!

[8/10 · 19 October 2014]

I thought this was going to be another corny werewolf movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. As a movie buff, I think I have seen it all, so very few movies have unpredictable events. However, this movie caught me unawares, because there were many interesting plot twists that I did not see coming. Every guess that I made was wrong. All but the ending was predictable. I loved the cast and their performances. My only qualm was that 2 or 3 characters were introduced in early scenes, then they vanished without any valid explanations. The lack of follow-ups made it seem a little rushed. I would recommend this as a family movie. Adults can enjoy the drama and kids (who are 11+) can enjoy the action and costumes. As stated in the title,this movie was an unexpected but useful find. 8.2/10

Horns (2013)

Unique and mmm... mmm... good!

[8/10 · 5 October 2014]

This movie has such an original plot and it is so interesting. I am usually bored easily when watching dramas. That was not the case here. I loved the idea of people being unable to hide their true characters. I loved the idea of genuinely good people doing bad things. I love the idea of life being unfair but every negative working towards a positive message. I truly underestimated the talent of Daniel Radcliffe because I only remember him as Harry Potter. I was pleasantly surprised by his maturity in this movie and his ability to different emotions by the minute. to or three aspects of the script were predictable but that is inevitable when there is a slightly realistic fiction element to a movie. Overall, I am happy to have watched this movie and I hope to see more from all of these amazing actors.

A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

Liam Neeson is the baddest in the game!

[10/10 · 5 October 2014]

I love this guy! He is so versatile! Every time I watch another one of Neeson's movies, he is cooler than before. I need him to act in at least 5 movies per year so that the entertainment never ends! How is it possible that someone could be born a bad-ass? It seems innate! He is hot even when he is getting beaten up! I swear, if I ever meet him, I will be weak in the knees! In this movie, he believably played the role of a private eye with a conscience. He allowed a bunch of lames to disrespect him, because their opinions did not matter. Humility was key! He involuntarily became the mentor of a minority child and devoted his expertise towards innocent members of families. I love Liam being the hero. A villain role simple wouldn't suit him.

P.S. I know this review is more of an acclamation but watch this movie and you will see that he deserves it.

Third Person (2013)

Very nice change of scenery for Liam Neeson.

[9/10 · 30 September 2014]

Liam Neeson is such a wonderful actor but his talent is always overpowered by karate chops and guns blazing. It seems like his roles are reminiscent of 007 in every movie... except this one. In this movie, it was refreshing to see a talented man perform without special effects as a distraction. It was nice to see him in such an articulate role filled with emotion, and strife, and indecisiveness. Neeson surely can act!

***Spoiler***: I was a little confused from the beginning until the last few minutes, because the characters were supposedly in different countries but they kept walking past one another, driving past one another, and entering the same rooms. It all came together in the end with a revelation that I should have figured out sooner; but in hindsight, I guess I just wanted every scenario to be real.

But overall this is an excellent movie that will stimulate the mind. It is truly a masterpiece and I recommend it to all those who are looking for a legitimate drama without the accompaniment of boredom.

Good People (2014)

Fun yet predictable.

[7/10 · 29 September 2014]

I liked this movie. It was realistic fiction that was entertaining to watch. There is excellent acting among all the main characters, and the story line is so believable. The only reason I can not rate it a 10 is that this movie was oh so predictable. As usual, there is no honesty among thieves, which is the premise of this movie. Then, of course, the underdog always wins. The climax of the movie was very reminiscent of "Home Alone," so I knew what was coming the moment that I saw the set towards the end. The predictability is the only reason I can think of the movie having such a low overall rating. However, when watching realistic fiction, extravagant happenings would convert the realistic to ridiculous. It stayed true to it's genre. I would recommend this movie to all movie-lovers, but I would be shocked if it got an Oscar.

Two Night Stand (2014)

It was okay.

[5/10 · 28 September 2014]

This movie wasn't good or bad, it was just okay. For starters, it was awkward watching a movie about 20-somethings having sex, when they looked 16 or younger. Also, I am sorry to say that I kept checking for the time and went to get food without asking what happened while I was gone. I also caught myself texting during the movie. By the time it was over, I was yawning and stretching The 5 stars are a result of all the dry humor that made me smile. I guess it's a cute little love story in the end. I just wish this movie was shorter and had more activity. I would not recommend this movie to people who require visual or mental stimulation. My best description of this movie experience is that anyone who can sit through a 2 hour goldfish documentary can also sit through this, but I wouldn't recommend it.

If I Stay (2014)

Warning: Do Not Watch!

[4/10 · 28 September 2014]

What are these good reviews even talking about? When I go to a movie theater, I go for entertainment. This movie was not entertaining! When I opted to watch this movie, I didn't sign up for a classical music fest, or a special on teens applying to college. If I wanted to be bored out of my wits, then I would have stayed home and read a book! After watching this, I want a refund! The writing was not bad, and Chloe is a talented actress, but the plot was bland! I am very upset with all those people who are rating this movie a 10. They must not have watched the same movie I watched. Maybe they were paid to leave good reviews, or maybe they want others to suffer the way they did. No matter what the reason is for all these good reviews, I am here to tell you that this movie is a snooze fest! There is nothing thrilling, or funny, or cute about it! I recommend everyone under the age of 70 to STAY FAR AWAY from this one. If I can save at least 1 person from making the same mistake I did, then my mission will be accomplished!

White Bird in a Blizzard (2014)

I am very satisfied with this movie.

[8/10 · 27 September 2014]

This movie starts off slowly. It is in the perspective of a gorgeous teenager who is solely concerned with her boyfriend. When her mom goes missing, she assumes that her mom kept her promise to leave her dad. As she recaps the relationship between her parents, the viewer is compelled to feel sorry for the wimpy father and agree with the teen's apathy towards her aggressive mother. In utter dismissal of her mom's abandonment, the teenager tries to focus on her boyfriend's reduced sexual interest. However, her intuition about her mother's disappearance keeps alerting her through inexplicable dreams. Then, when the teenager becomes an adult, things get GOOD! At the end, I realized that I really underestimated this movie. I had no idea this movie was going to be this good. I am glad I watched it and I want to see it again in order to catch some clues that I may have missed. The plot twist at the end REALLY caught me off-guard and I am still wondering if there was some hint throughout the movie that I missed. If anyone catches the hints, be sure to post them as spoilers.

No Good Deed (I) (2014)

I am shocked that this movie has such a low rating!

[8/10 · 24 September 2014]

This movie has everything a movie-goer could possibly ask for. It is entertaining, suspenseful, funny, and charming. What more could a person ask for? Idris Elba is so hot and Taraji Henson plays such a convincing, lonely housewife. I wish the movie was a little longer but it was worth every minute and every dollar. There is a substantial amount of violence so I would not say this is a must-see for the faint of heart. The setting is also very dark throughout most of the movie which is, in my opinion, a bad idea when the leading roles are played by African-Americans. Nevertheless, I would watch it again. It was not only exciting, but it is realistic, so it sends a good message. Bravo to the writer/director.

One for the Money (2012)

I'm not an official movie critic and never read the book(s). I just have common sense.

[3/10 · 6 July 2014]

This movie needed one of 2 solutions: 1) a better leading lady, or 2) a better director. My jaw dropped when a character died and Katherine Heigl sat on the floor chuckling as she said her line. Shouldn't that have been a blooper? Was the director so cheap that he couldn't re-tape that 1- minute scene? If finances were the culprit, I wouldn't be surprised. I see black women wearing better wigs to the supermarket than that noodle wig Katherine was wearing. To think she left Grey's Anatomy, which was filled with better actors who could mask her lack of excellence. This movie was like summer-fest, full of talentless hotties who can't even get a Nancy Drew movie right. Saying this movie should have gone straight to DVD is a compliment. This movie should have gone straight to Nickelodeon.

The Family (I) (2013)

None of the bad reviews were found useful for a reason.

[10/10 · 27 May 2014]

I was referred to "The Family" by a friend who announced how great this movie is on Facebook. I watched it, and raced to IMDb to leave a positive review. When I got here, I was SHOCKED to see how low this movie was rated. The best I could think is that the bad reviewers, like myself, were a little upset that the movie ended so soon. That is enough to leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth. Nevertheless, this movie is thrilling, disturbing, intriguing, and down-right fun. I did not say funny, I said fun. The mafia is a criminal group of domestic terrorists, so it is unrealistic to expect knee-slapping hilarity. The acting was phenomenal! I didn't realize that Pfieffer still had it. I would watch this again and again.

Repentance (I) (2013)

I'm no mathematician but the ratings of this movie look rigged!

[10/10 · 11 May 2014]

Looking at the raw movie ratings, it seems like the majority of voters gave this movie a 10. So someone please explain the low average score? On the other hand, I have noticed a correlation between low ratings and unfavorable movie endings on IMDb. I will repeat here what I said about the movie, "The Afflicted." Not every movie is a fairy tale with a warm and fuzzy ending. In fact, the more realistic a movie is, the less likelihood of a pleasant ending. The horror of it all does not undermine the moral of the story, which is that we all pay for our sins one way or another. The theme of this movie is cold, hard, Karma. Anyone who can't handle realistic fiction should go find a Disney movie.

The Wendy Williams Show (2008–2022)

Love love LOVE Wendy!

[10/10 · 11 May 2014]

Anyone who complains that the Wendy Show is mind-numbing should stick to the discovery channel. There is no learning involved in day-time television and she never promised to help people with their homework. This show is about fun, laughter, and starting your day off with a smile! Wendy is a down-to-earth friend to her fans. Shes sits and chats with us like we are in a circle of housewives meeting for our daily dose of rumors, clothes, hair and average girl stuff! What more could a viewer ask for? No one wants to discuss the stock market or foreign affairs (unless a foreigner is having an affair with a celeb). Get real!

The Reader (2008)

How Romantic! Chick Flick all the way!

[9/10 · 22 March 2014]

The Reader is a movie about a woman who spends her entire life doing unfavorable things and making improper choices in efforts to conceal her disability. Her shame dictates her every move and even makes a martyr out of her. Fortunately, an unsuspecting victim of her low self-esteem grew to love her. Loving her gave this victim pleasure but stifled him simultaneously. Via his love, he chose to suffer through the disability with her, never replacing her as long as he lived. Isn't that romantic? I am so jealous that I still can't find a love like this! This movie gets points for originality, superb acting, an interesting plot, and a heart-melting love story. The Reader is SO SWEET, and would have gotten a 10/10 if the useless 15 minutes at the end was edited out.

The Game (1997)

I'm 17 years late and I don't regret it

[10/10 · 21 March 2014]

"The Game" came out when I was 10 years old, which was my primary obstacle in terms of seeing it sooner than now. The movie gained popularity, and I admit that I should made greater efforts to see it. However, with new movies being released every other week, it is hard to keep track of a movie wish-list. This week, I checked the top-rated films on IMDb and "The Game" came up. After watching it, my response is "better late than never!" Watching this movie was worth the 17 year wait! There is nothing cheap and desperate about this movie. "The Game" is simply a display of high quality cinematography! I am not a film student and have no history or interest in the "art" of movie-making. Yet I can recognize great acting, good story-lines, and sufficiently thrilling scenes. To potential viewers, my advice is to remember that I recommended The Game to you! I look forward to the good karma from imparting beneficial advice!

The Intouchables (2011)

Finally a twist to race relations!

[10/10 · 21 March 2014]

I have been so annoyed by movies about miserable black people from the ghetto who are transformed by sweet, gentle Caucasians. Finally, the roles have been reversed! Finally the media is graced with a movie about a miserable Caucasian who is transformed by a sweet, gentle black person from the ghetto. I love to see the underdog maintain a positive outlook, a childlike exuberance, and an optimistic approach that is contagious. Yes, "The Blind Side" had a similar theme, but "The Intouchables" supersedes it, because a black person from the ghetto does not need to be mentally delayed to have a good heart. I recommend this movie to all those who don't mind reading captions for a good story. The acting was phenomenal and the fact that it is a true story just enhances the beauty of this movie.

The Artist (I) (2011)

Thanks, but more captions please!

[9/10 · 21 March 2014]

Pros: My first silent movie and I loved it! I loved the plot. The actors were remarkable even when they attempted to be cheesy! The dog was adorable. Overall the movie was so cute!

Cons: I just wish I didn't have to read lips and assume throughout the movie. More captions would have been nice. In fact, more captions would have made it a 10.

I confess: When it comes to movies that I missed in theaters, I give them half an hour to impress me. Otherwise, I simply turn them off and watch cable. This movie passed my 30-minute test and I am happy that I watched it. I highly recommend The Artist!